Claims Hovering Near 15-Year Low Signal U.S. Payroll Rebound

The number of Americans getting fired is hovering near the lowest levels in almost 15 years, indicating the slowdown in hiring last month will prove temporary.

An average 284,500 workers a week filed claims for jobless benefits over the past month, according to Labor Department data issued Thursday in Washington. The 282,500 average reached in early April was the lowest since June 2000. Another report showed sales of new homes slumped more than forecast in March, ending the strongest quarter in seven years on a weak note.